The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Two: Beyond the Veil (41 page)

From their vantage, the view was breathtaking, looking out over the seemingly endless expanse of desert, visible now from their height over the walls of the city. For the first time since crossing the Palinoen border, she found the landscape beautiful. Worthy of being put to canvas. The horizon transformed into various shades of reds and oranges as the sun began its descent. Phaezut shielded his eyes from the light with his hand, using the other to motion at their surroundings.

“You will have to follow the river to the west, but be wary of your proximity to the western border,” he explained. “The desert is a dangerous place within an arrow’s range of Vaeduec. I will send a couple of my men to guide you through the safest path. I insist you listen to their counsel. If they tell you to stop walking, do so. They know every trick these sands can play, and they will not let you fall prey to any of them.”

“You are very kind, Sir,” Aiva nodded, grateful for his assistance. Her heart beat excitedly at the thought of moving again. She wanted to see Edric. To be back in his company and free of the desert heat, leaving the cruel, burnt lands behind her. She had seen enough sand to last a lifetime. “How far do you estimate we are from the southwestern shore? We are supposed to meet a ship there, to sail onward to Luquarr.”

“If the desert favors your travel, you will find yourself at the water’s edge within a few days.”

“A few days?” Aiva gasped at the thought. It sounded too good to be true. “Are we really so close?”

“No,” Phaezut chuckled, patting Aiva on the arm. “I will explain later. First, there is more to tell.” His jovial demeanor shifted to a sense of somber calm, his eyes staring up at Aiva. “My scouts returned to Lemahic this morning. Their search was hasty, but no boats were found at the coast. Pirate or other. The people you seek have likely already taken to the water. I would exercise caution, though. The signs found by my men indicate a possible contingent left behind.”

A feeling of dread filled Aiva’s heart. While Phaezut’s words lingered on the air, her mind couldn’t move past a single detail that caused her inconsolable distress. No ships at the coast? Edric should have been there by now. The path from the western border of Tanispa through Mialan waters would be a lengthy trip, though lacking obstacles found in the Nahpoa Sea to the east.
What if the pirates attacked?
Her stomach clenched. Would Edric have taken chase after the pirates if they saw them depart the shore? She didn’t want to think that her brother would abandon them.

Concern was noticeable in Callum’s eyes as well, his hand sliding to rest over Aiva’s in attempts to comfort her. “We will be on our guard. My concern is the lack of ships. Our supplies are minimal. In the event that we must turn around, we will never survive on our current provisions.”

“If your ship does not arrive, then remain at the coast. I will send some men to check the water in a few days. If you are still there, my troops will see you safely returned to the city so we can arrange a means for you to get to Luquarr.” Phaezut pointed toward the west, his long arm distracting Aiva from what he was directing them to see. “There are other cities between here and the sea. If anything should happen, you will find water and bread for sale there.”

Not wanting to consider the possibility of anything having befallen Edric, Aiva tried to distract her mind with other details. She needed to stay positive. If she allowed herself to lose focus, it heightened the chance of something happening to her and the others as well. “I cannot move beyond your gauge of travel time,” she commented. “You say we can be to the water within days, yet you claim we are not close enough to manage that feat. This is a contradiction. I must request an explanation.”

“Ah, yes. My dear, I nearly forgot.” Phaezut’s smile returned, his long legs carrying him along the roof toward the platform on which they arrived. Picking up one of the ropes, he gave it a tug until he was content with the tautness of it, waving them forward once again. “Let us return to the throne room. From there, I will provide the details you seek.”

Tentative, she allowed Callum to lead her onto the platform, clinging tightly to his arm. She hated this contraption. If going up had been so terrible, she dreaded to think how the descent would be. Her stomach lurched, twisting from the unusual sensation as they began to lower. She wanted off. The bottom couldn’t come fast enough.

They had barely reached the ground when Phaezut stepped from the platform, his commanding voice giving orders to those around him. “Have our guests brought out front. Ashoec, prepare for departure. Kehprit will be along shortly to assist. You will need to take these fine people to the shore, and make haste.”

Aiva watched the men jump into action at the orders, hurrying from the room, leaving Phaezut to guide her and Callum back to the throne. Gadiel and Lorand remained by the door, seeming to relax at the sight of Aiva and Callum coming into view.

“Captain,” Lorand came to attention with a stiff salute. Callum turned to face him, nodding sharply in acknowledgment.

“Yes, Lorand?”

“Might I have a word with you?”

Callum glanced between Lorand and Aiva, his hesitation evident. After a moment of contemplation he waved Gadiel forward, offering Aiva’s arm to him. “Gadiel, take the Princess wherever Phaezut requires. I will be along shortly.”

“Of course, Captain,” Gadiel stated calmly, taking Aiva’s hand. He gave a deep bow to Callum, turning to move with Aiva toward the door.

Something tugged at Aiva inside. She could tell Gadiel shared her discomfort at Lorand’s sudden request for an audience with Callum. Neither one dared to question the reasons. Obligation required Aiva continue after Phaezut to the doors of the palace while Gadiel’s lower rank granted him no rights to challenge his Captain’s command. “What do you think they are discussing?” Aiva whispered, her head tilted inward to avoid being overheard by Phaezut.

Gadiel shrugged, casting a glance over his shoulder to where the others remained. “I don’t know,” he frowned. “There is no way to know how much Lorand heard from our earlier conversation. Though our exchange would have no bearing on him. I can think of nothing we said which would require Callum’s attention.”

“Perhaps it is nothing, then,” Aiva tried to comfort herself, wishing Callum would hurry. She preferred to have him by her side while in Phaezut’s company. He eased her nerves, which now tingled frantically at the thought of being alone with the Feh Noq. She had no fear of danger, but she questioned her ability to conduct further tactical discussions without Callum there to assist. Strategic planning was his field of expertise.

Stepping through the door, Aiva’s breath caught in her throat. The circumstances of their arrival prevented her from retaining any imagery of the city while their stay at the palace yielded no reason for them to venture outside the palace walls. To see it now was impressive. The streets were filled with the strange Feh Noq creatures, halting their quick pace to kneel before Phaezut as he exited the palace. Phaezut met his subjects with a proud respect, bowing sharply, a wave of his hand signaling them to return to their business.

The buildings were positioned close together along the wide streets, constructed of a mud-based brick, many of which were damaged from wear over the years. A market could be seen down the road, stalls arranged with merchants out front, calling out to the passersby, peddling their wares. From the racks, she could see colorful fabrics, some silken, though most looked to be more durable, yet light enough to tolerate the extreme heat. Glasswork was arranged in a wide array of colors and shapes, ranging from blues to reds, bowls to glasses, and artistic sculptures. If time weren’t of the essence, she would have enjoyed a stroll through the streets to take in the wonders of it all. If the alliance between Tanispa and Palinon remained firm, she could arrange a more leisurely visit when pirates didn’t threaten her sister’s life.

A commotion came from around the side of the palace, drawing Aiva’s attention to where Ashoec appeared, riding on the back of a strange beast. She recognized it instantly, the image ingrained in her mind from their first encounter with the Feh Noq. The same animal had been used to draw the wagon that imprisoned her and Callum to be brought before Phaezut. A shiver coursed down her spine at the memory, swallowing hard in fear that they might suffer the same fate again.

“This is the secret behind the speed of your journey,” Phaezut grinned, beckoning Ashoec closer. Ashoec steered the animal with practiced ease, directing it to pause in front of Aiva. With a strong leap he dismounted, his hands solidly gripped on the bridle to prevent the creature from running away.

Overcome by curiosity, Aiva reached out to touch it, afraid to find that it was nothing more than a hallucination caused by some lingering effect of the wine. To her amazement, the animal was quite real, her fingers sliding over the smooth surface of its fur. “What is this?” she questioned absently, unable to look away. It was beautiful in its unusual appearance. Powerful. She didn’t require seeing it in motion to know it was capable of incredible feats. Muscles bulged from the hind legs, designed for speed and agility.

Stepping to Aiva’s side, Phaezut lifted a long arm to pat the animal’s back. “It is our most prized creature in all of Palinon,” he smiled. Holding out his hand to Gadiel, he nodded to him, waving him forward. Gadiel did as directed, glancing at the beast with obvious uncertainty. “The aneakt will see you to the coast with ease. Unlike the horses of your people, it requires less water and care in the heat. It can overcome the fastest of men. A fierce predator, and a loyal companion to any Feh Noq on a long journey across the sands.” Phaezut cocked his head to one side, peering at Gadiel quizzically. “Are you going to help your Princess into the saddle?”

“I’m sorry,” Gadiel stammered, clearing his throat, embarrassed. “I was not aware that we would be… riding it.”

“It does nothing to improve your time by walking alongside you.” Phaezut chuckled.

Forcing a laugh, Gadiel offered his hand to Aiva, shifting his gaze between her and the creature. The aneakt. Aiva liked the sound of the name. Harsh to the tongue, like most words she’d come to expect of the Feh Noq, yet somehow graceful and fitting of such a regal beast. With Gadiel’s help, she swung her leg over the saddle, surprised to find it much higher from the ground than she imagined. It took a step, adjusting to the weight upon its back. Lightly, she rubbed her hands along its soft fur, speaking to it in soothing tones.

From the saddle she could see Callum and Lorand exit the palace, their eyes immediately drawn to Aiva. She recognized the confusion in their expressions at the sight of the creature. Excited by the novelty of it all, she waved to Callum, smiling exuberantly. No one in Tanispa would ever believe her if she told them of this experience. Although she wasn’t one to keep a journal, she wished in that moment that she had some parchment to put her thoughts to ink. To describe the incredible feeling she found herself overwhelmed by. Never had she thought it possible to experience anything like this. The adventure. Danger. And wonder at the unimaginable things she’d witnessed while in Palinon under Phaezut’s care.

“I will provide an aneakt for you and the Prince to ride. The other men will have to share,” Phaezut watched as his man Kehprit brought another of the beasts around from the stables. “Ashoec and Kehprit will accompany your party to the sea. Two of your men can ride with them. We will arrange the rest accordingly by size once they are assembled.”

Ashoec relinquished his hold on the reins to Aiva with a sharp nod. Taking them in her hands, she drew in a deep breath, prepared for the worst. She had ridden many horses in her time, but never anything of this size. It was almost frightening, unsure if it would obey the commands she gave. Giving a click of her tongue, she signaled the aneakt to move, her sense of wonderment growing to feel the smoothness of its gait as it pranced proudly around the street.

Catching sight of Kaemin’s bewildered face by the palace door, Aiva rode over to him, the smile still stretched across her lips. He stared in awe, hands extended out in caution toward her. “Aiva, be careful,” he warned, looking to the other men as if hoping they would add their own concerns with his. She laughed at him, hurrying away to where Callum was being assisted onto his own mount. His features revealed less joy at the experience than Aiva felt. It disappointed her to think that he took little pleasure in it all, but she knew he had an image to uphold in front of his men.

While the others paired off and ascended the creatures presented to them, the rest of their belongings were brought forth from the palace and strapped securely onto the backs of the animals. Their water flasks were replenished. Extra bread packed away to avoid risk of hunger if their trip extended longer than planned.

“I cannot offer you enough thanks to properly convey our gratitude for all you have done,” Aiva brought the aneakt to a halt before Phaezut, gazing down at him, her expression filled with sincerity. Without his assistance, they may have perished in the desert long before ever reaching the coast and reuniting with Edric. Despite the rough welcome, it had become a fruitful meeting. One that would benefit both Tanispa and Palinon.

“It has been my pleasure to entertain your company, Princess. You and the Prince will have to come to Lemahic again some time. I insist on another game of Losuvas to redeem my loss.” Phaezut nodded to Callum respectfully. “Do as Ashoec and Kehprit say and you will find the remainder of your trip more agreeable. Remember – Avoid getting too close to the western border. The Syet are on a constant move and I cannot guarantee they will stay on their own land if they take notice of you. I will await word from my men on your safe arrival to the sea. We will keep watch to make sure you reach the water safely. Now… off with you,” he gestured toward the high gates at the entrance of the city. “You will find the night easier to travel than the day. Do not waste it.”

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Chapter Fourteen

Aiva felt the all-too-familiar sensation of fatigue start to creep over her as the sun began to rise. The night had passed without event, the aneakt proving faster than she expected. Within only a few hours they were out of view of the city walls, surrounded once again by nothing but barren stretches of dried and cracked sand.

With the brightening of the daytime sky, Aiva watched in fascination as Ashoec and Kehprit covered their eyes with a cleverly designed device, the lenses like those of spectacles, yet thicker, the blued-glass protecting their sensitive vision from the sun. She was reminded of the way the Feh Noq had appeared when they first saw them. How strange their bulging eyes had looked. It made sense now, in retrospect, thinking over the purpose of the item. The Feh Noq were known to be nocturnal. With the assistance of the colored glass, they found traversing during the day more tolerable to their night-adapted senses.

Callum headed the group with Ashoec and Kehprit, their discussion quiet. Inaudible to those who followed. At Aiva’s side, Gadiel maneuvered his own aneakt with Kaemin at his back, allowing them to converse over the happenings since their abduction. She was happy to hear that little harm had come to the men. Once secured in the prison cells, the attention of the Feh Noq had been focused on her and Callum, leaving the others at peace until the time of their release.

“It is unfortunate we couldn’t bring the wine with us,” Kaemin grinned, glancing at Aiva from where he was positioned behind Gadiel. “Your brother would have enjoyed it.”

“Without doubt,” she nodded. A smile tugged at her lips to think of her brother. For weeks they had been on the road, their families left behind in the north. When they first set out, it had seemed simple. A mere discussion of countries and paths of travel did nothing to give perspective to the distance and time it would take to cover the land. In her naivety, she had never considered the strenuous truth. Walking from Tanispa through two countries before facing the watery expanse of the sea. Her thoughts were filled with images of her mother and father, wishing to see their smiling faces again and to have the counsel of Edric at her side.

Gadiel’s words to her while in the Feh Noq city haunted her. Floating through her head at every glance she passed in Callum’s direction. She wanted to be closer to him now, but his duties occupied his attention. There would be time to speak with him when they reached the ship. Once there, she would tell him everything. Explain her desire to set discussion of the annulment aside until Shaelyn was safe. Under the current circumstances, they were in no frame of mind to make a decision of that nature.

“You look far away, as usual,” Kaemin stated, eyeing Aiva curiously.

“I’m just thinking about my brother,” she sighed. Gadiel’s silence only added to her discomfort. She wondered what was going through his head after their conversation. In the back of her mind, she feared he was angry with her. The last thing she wanted was to lose Gadiel’s friendship over her inability to take responsibility sooner for her foolishness. “What do you think of the aneakt, Gadiel?” she asked, attempting to draw him into the discussion. Anything to hear him speak. “Do you find it handles much different from the horses back home?”

“It’s taking some getting used to,” he nodded, keeping his eyes focused straight ahead. “I’m not certain how comfortable I am with being on top of a creature that would be more than capable of killing me if it chose.”

A sudden snarl erupted from one of the aneakts at the front, distracting Aiva from the idle chatter. Callum held firm to his reins, pulling them back to keep the creature under control, body tensed. Kehprit held out his arm, directing the group to shift southeast with a sharp command. “The beast men are close,” he stated firmly. “Stay your pace slow and steady. If they have reason to think us a threat, they will fire again.”

The directive sent chills down Aiva’s spine. Beast men? They had traveled far into the western lands of the desert toward the docks. Although their intent was to avoid moving too close to the border, their path required them to maneuver within short proximity of the Ryseu River which flowed from Vaeduec into Palinon, guiding them toward the sea. Would the Syet really have ventured so far into Feh Noq territory? Or did Kehprit refer to some other wild creature? Side-stepping to follow the others, Aiva saw what looked to be an arrow embedded in the ground only a few inches from where Callum had been. Though he maintained his composure, she was familiar enough with him to recognize the signs of unease he displayed, somewhat shaken by the attack.

“Do they always cross so far over the border? I was under the belief that they only fired upon those who enter Vaeduec uninvited,” Aiva asked, hesitant. She was uncomfortable knowing that Callum remained on the outside of the group, in plain view of whatever had fired upon them. If what Gadiel said about the Syet was true, it was likely they would take aim on Callum again.

“They watch the Ryseu closely. In the past they have caught our men traversing it into Vaeduec to acquire lumber from their forests. Since then, they have taken to monitoring the border with a watchful and unforgiving eye.” Ashoec peered into the distance, steering his aneakt to turn further east. “We are still too close. The beast men come. Increase your speed.”

“Protect the Captain,” Gadiel called to the others, quickening his pace to ride along Callum’s exposed side. The others hastened to followed suit, taking up formation to create a barrier between the western terrain.

Somewhere in the distance Aiva heard the rush of air whistling, crying out to see another small volley of arrows; only three or four in the wave, but enough to send the group into a chaotic frenzy. Signaling the aneakt to move faster, she let her gaze slide over her shoulder to look behind them, gasping in surprise to see the creatures coming their way. Three of them, though she couldn’t place if they were really men or beast. No clothing covered their hairy bodies, their torso like that of a man, while the structure of their legs reminded Aiva more of an animal. Barefoot, the length of their feet extended and bent at an awkward angle, toes digging into the sand to push forward at incredible speed while their heels remained upright, never touching the ground. Brown hair was all that covered the lower portions of their figure. In her haste, she found herself unable to take in much detail, frantically driving her heels into the sides of the aneakt as the creatures moved to reload their bows.

Turning to look ahead, her eyes settled on the men in front of her, just in time to see an arrow connect savagely with Lorand’s back, a second skimming past to find its mark in the neck of Callum’s aneakt. “Callum!” she shouted, rushing forward to reach him. At their current pace, the beasts were falling behind. Maran struggled to gain control over the animal he rode while gripping Lorand’s arm to keep him from falling. Kehprit called out orders, none of which reached Aiva’s ears. She needed to get to Callum. That was all that mattered. She had to know he was okay.

“Princess,” Ashoec’s voice cut through Aiva’s thoughts. Blinking, she looked to him, pushing her way through the group to get closer. Callum’s aneakt was beginning to slow, quickly becoming sluggish and unsteady. “Get your Prince,” Ashoec commanded. “The animal is dying.”

Instinct took over. Despite the panic that welled up inside, her body seemed to know the actions required of her, positioning her own aneakt at Callum’s side, reaching out to him. It was difficult to maintain control at such high speeds. Desperate, she veered inward, grabbing onto Callum’s arm, fingers slipping over the sleeve of his doublet. He was favoring his right hand, fighting to get a hold of Aiva’s outstretched arm with his left to pull himself onto the animal behind her. With a final burst of strength he covered the distance, using his legs to push from his saddle, landing with a harsh grunt. “I cannot move my hand,” he breathed, the words barely registering to Aiva’s ear. “There must be something on the arrows.”

There was no time to worry about the arrows. Behind them, the armed beasts had fallen back. The final volley fell short, no longer within range to do harm.

Ashoec and Kehprit pushed onward for another few miles before slowing their pace, directing the others to do the same. Before the aneakt ceased to move, the Feh Noq dismounted, taking count of the men still with them.

“Lorand is hit,” Maran groaned, losing his grip on Lorand’s arm as the body crashed to the ground.

Sliding from the saddle, Callum hurried to Lorand’s fallen form, rolling him over with only the use of his left hand. Aiva found herself more concerned for Callum’s safety than Lorand’s, swinging her leg over the aneakt to land with a soft thud in the sand. She didn’t want to see Lorand’s wound, but it was unavoidable if she wanted to get close enough to inspect Callum’s injury.

Kehprit was at Callum’s side, pressing him away from the arrow lodged in Lorand’s back. “Don’t touch it,” he hissed. “The beast men lace their weapons with poison. I will tend to this one.” Staring hard at Callum, he narrowed his eyes. “See to your other men and make sure no one else has been struck. Wounds must be tended quickly or it will result in paralysis or death.”

Ignoring his own pain, Callum nodded, rising to his feet in a fluid motion. Aiva tried to keep up with him as he made his rounds, checking the safety of the others. Aiva considered them lucky to have come out of the battle without more bloodshed. “The beast men,” she asked. “Are they Syet? Or something else?”

“They are Syet,” Ashoec replied, paying little attention to where Aiva hurried to stand at Callum’s side, staring down at Lorand’s limp and bleeding form. “We are fortunate they were few. Had there been more of them, they would easily have taken us all. Phaezut must be made aware of this insult. They have crossed onto our land and initiated an unwarranted attack.”

Looking to her right, Aiva was surprised to discover Callum had moved again. He was several feet away, staring into the distance, his right hand clasped tightly against his abdomen by the left. “What kind of poison was on those arrows?” she asked nervously. Kehprit’s words from before were only just beginning to sink in. Paralysis or death. Why did Callum not inform the others of his injury?

“They utilize the venom found in the mouths of certain species of snakes in their lands, as well as ours. It is a strong neurotoxin. In small quantities we have salves to counteract it, but severe exposure can be devastating.” Ashoec gripped the arrow in Lorand’s back as he spoke, tugging on it with a grotesque sound of tearing flesh. Disgusted, Aiva turned away, covering her mouth to avoid the sight, a strong urge to vomit building in her throat the same as it had when she’d witnessed Phelan’s wounds.

Hastening her steps, Aiva moved to where Callum had separated himself from the group, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. He stiffened at her touch, making no attempt to look in her direction.

“Leave me alone.”

She was shaken by the coolness of his tone. Assuming it to be caused by the pain he endured, Aiva stepped in front of him, trying to take his right hand in hers. He held firm, refusing to release his own hold on the arm. “Callum,” she frowned. “Did one of the arrows strike you? Why won’t you let me see?”

“I said leave me alone,” he replied, brushing past her to move further from the group. The sudden tension she felt was awkward. Frightening. They had made so much progress while in Phaezut’s palace. What would cause him to push her away like he did?

Her shoulders slumped forward. A nagging thought lingered at the back of her mind, remembering Lorand’s request for a private audience with Callum before leaving the city. Was it something he said? She avoided dwelling on the possibility at the time, though now she couldn’t help but feel the renewed fear of what Lorand overheard between her and Gadiel. It just didn’t make sense. If Lorand was aware that Aiva believed herself to be in love with Callum, there was no reason for him to be upset by the news. Unless he was angered by something else. Something completely unrelated. His injury? Perhaps he was frustrated by the possible loss of another soldier if Lorand was unable to pull through.

“Callum, what’s wrong?” she pleaded, hurrying to block his path again. He heaved a sigh, averting his gaze irritably.

“I don’t want your help,” he huffed. “Go see to the men. You’re good at that.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

“Then we don’t have to talk.” In a final attempt, Aiva grabbed Callum’s hand, managing to pull it free of his grasp. A look of dismay was evident on his features as he tried to take it back, finding her grip solid and unmoving. “If you’re too proud to admit you’re injured, that’s fine, but don’t risk your death because of it.”

On the back of his hand, near the thumb, was a clear, deep laceration, blood trickling to trail along his bronzed skin. She placed his hand between her palms, closing her eyes in concentration. The cut was less severe than she had feared. Any amount of poison transferred into his system could be easily retracted by careful manipulation of her internal energy with his. She’d seen it done many times while in Faustine’s care. A common practice in basic medicinal arts. Far safer than the technique she’d utilized on his hand in Carpaen.

Regardless of his anger, Callum knew enough about the use of the magic to recognize the importance of staying still while Aiva worked. An unclean break in the connection between them might cause an unbalance in Aiva’s body, leaving her weakened, while placing himself at the same risk. Satisfied that she had him in her grasp, Aiva focused her energy, directing it into Callum’s hand to seek out the source of his pain. The muscles in his arm were unresponsive. Already under the effects of the toxins in his system.

Carefully she moved her hand away from the wound itself, allowing it to breathe. She took his limp fingers between her palms. In her mind she envisioned the poison. Picturing it there in his veins, eating away from the inside out. Imagery was important. From there, she would be able to draw the toxin to the surface, cleansing it from his veins.